“Is this really why Cormac locked you in your room?”
“Yes. And I don’t blame him.”
Ciara shakes her head. “I sure as hell do.”
“Please, don’t be upset with him. He was just doing what he thought was right.”
“Don’t defend him, Fiona. Regardless of what you have done, that doesn’t give Cormac any right to treat you the way he did. You’re not the only one in this house with a history.”
“No, but?—”
“But nothing. Riley and I… Let’s just say neither of our journeys to becoming a Sullivan was smooth sailing.”
I let out a watery laugh. “That doesn’t surprise me.”
“If you think Ronan is a grumpy bastard now, that’s nothing compared to what he was like when I first met him. I swear, this life that we have built? It’s beyond anything I could have ever imagined. But that doesn’t mean it was easy.”
“But you weren’t secretly working with Lorcan.”
“You were doing what you thought you had to do. And while I think you should have told him the truth earlier, I understand why you didn’t. Hell, even I’m terrified of Lorcan. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it must have been for you to be indebted to him for something that wasn’t your fault. And then for him to use your niece's health against you? That’s low, even for him.”
“I hope you know it means a lot to hear you say that.”
“Has Cormac even tried to hear you out?”
“Not yet.”
“Well, he’s had a lot on his mind. Hopefully, once Scout is home and all of this blows over, you can talk it out because Istick by what I said, you two are great together. And it would be a shame for Lorcan to ruin it.”
Ciara’s acceptance of my past gives me hope that Cormac might eventually understand it too.
Suddenly, the sound of tires crunching over gravel comes from outside, and the two of us jump to our feet, knocking the table and spilling our untouched tea in the process.
Ciara gasps as she rushes over to the window. “Oh my god. They’re back!”
I almost trip over my own feet as I hurry to her side just in time to see a convoy of black SUVs hurtling up the drive.
I forget to breathe as the passenger door of the first car opens and out climbs Cormac with?—
“Scout,” I sob, grabbing hold of the edge of the table to keep me upright.
Ciara bursts into tears as she grabs my hands, the two of us watching as Ronan, Brennan, and Kieran climb out of the cars.
“Come on.” She sniffs, tugging on my hand, but I don’t move. “What is it?”
“I shouldn’t be here.”
“Scout will want to see you.”
I want to see him too, more than anything, but I know that would only anger Cormac more. So, I pull my hand free from her grip and take a step back.
I force a smile despite the gaping hole in my chest. “You should go and meet them. I’ll be in my room.”
“If you’re sure?”
I nod.
“Okay, well, I’ll come and give you an update when I can,” she offers before hurrying out of the kitchen.
